Michael Nirenberg, a podiatrist at Friendly Foot Care, encountered peculiar symptoms related to COVID. Over 40 patients had “lesions that look like chilblains” typically associated with exposure to cold weather. In a recent article published by Meghan Rosen on November 21st, she revealed some of the unsuspected symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among these symptoms include “patchy tongues, puffy digits, and hair loss” associated with other rare symptoms like COVID tongue, toe, and eye.
At a closer look into the particularly unusual symptom of the COVID toe, the American Academy of Dermatology reveals insight into the symptoms underlying it. Specifically, the association stated swelling, discoloration, pus, pain, and itch. These symptoms could last up to 14 days with some abnormal cases lasting up to 670 Days! Since COVID-19 is a relatively new disease Dermatologists are still researching the underlying causes of this symptom.
Especially as we enter the Winter season and with the virus still taking a toll everywhere, we must recognize that we still haven’t seen all effects of the COVID. With many mutations, variants, and mandates being removed, the question becomes “How can it be sustainable, sensible, bearable even, to get a virus that floors you, in the same way, multiple times a year?” Aimee Cunningham, a biomedical writer, further extends this discussion to a larger context. Warning us of the problem that many unforeseen symptoms can manifest, Aimee signals that if we don’t control the spread who knows how dangerous COVID can become.
In the context of Biology, we can pinpoint solutions by understanding how COVID enters our system and why existing methods/practices like social distancing and masks work. The virus bypasses the first and second defense of our immune system by attaching to the ACE-2 receptors of our cells, hijacking and replicating its RNA code in the cell: A process known as clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We learned receptor-mediated endocytosis which is like clathrin in that COVID has to bind to a receptor before fusing with the membrane. After all, symptoms are recognized days after contracting them. Though it may seem daunting to bring back mandates, there are drawbacks if we don’t.
In more recent news, China’s zero-tolerance policy is exemplary in showing a societal perspective of regulation. Even though COVID is recognized as a legitimate dangerous virus, we also recognize that it’s hard to live in constant regulation. I believe that as of now we don’t fully recognize the effects of all existing variations and that to stop the spread it simply comes down to doing our due diligence. In our school community, students still come to school when they are sick increasing the likeliness of more spread. Simple changes like staying at home can make a major difference.
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